I'm one of the biggest LT fans going, so to make comparisons to him is cringe worthy. That being said, even I'm guilty of making the Collins reminds me of LT comparison. Oh don't get me wrong, I can't imagine Collins would have anything even remotely like the career LT did. However, there are similarities in their size and game that demands comparison for comparison sake. The big difference though is that LT wasn't just an athletic freak with a blood hound like nose for the ball. He also had enormous strength that gave him the ability to overpower men of greater size when needed.

I'm looking forward to seeing a whole lot of things about our Patriots this upcoming season, and a whole lot of players. Yet Collins is the one player I'm looking forward to seeing the most, because this kid is something special and combines attributes you don't see too often in this game. Here's hoping he makes that a strong second year leap and gives us all something to cheer for and for defensive coordinators to dread.

I'm not sayin he IS LT, I'm saying he has that potential, he has those rare skills. I agree LT was a freak and also had that freakish strength - that's what sets him apart - the strength to take a 300 pound tackle and throw him to the side. Very few guys can do that at that size/speed combo. For what it's worth Collins repordidly came into OTAs bigger and stronger than last year, but he has a ways to go to have the strength to take on left tackles.

I just look at that frame that he has and I can picture him filling out...and his explosiveness is off the charts.

I see a bigger version of Donnie Edwards, or Derrick Brooks. Edwards was a great cover LB and could tackle. Brooks was much smaller, but was everywhere. This kid has that same ability at 250. Those guys were 225-ish. Heck, I met Brooks, he was probably closer to 215.

Really, if he reaches his full potential he could be an even faster version of Junior Seau (the Charger). Same size, we'll see if he can bring that level of nastiness over time.

I look at the Von Miller comparison as a fair one but then I consider, Miller with the slight edge in speed could simply be amphetamines or roids. Collins is the superior athlete.

BB won't likely use Collins in the one dimensional role that Miller gets used, he is truly an every down, four direction linebacker in every way.

The kid just shuts down would be ball carriers and receivers in space, he can break down and tackle in the open like nobody I've seen since Bruschi. The tackle he made on Welker in the flat last year still resonates with me.

Haley was a defensive end, bad comparison. Don't get me wrong, if BB notices that Collins is the best pass rusher on the field he will employ him that way, but he is also the best cover linebacker we have, so unlikely.

I will say that a four man front with Mayo and Collins on the edges will be tough going for tight ends, especially now with Browner a true SS manning the back end. Hightower should thrive in the middle if the DT's in front of him stay upright, he is bigger, faster, stronger and more athletic than Spikes.

Collins was the pick for the Pats in the 1st round on my draft board a year ago, the kid is explosive, nothing short of injury or complacency can derail him. He may end up being used in schemes that don't showcase him and negative Nancies here will be dismayed (Adalius Thomas anyone?), but I'll bet you we win those games.

I look at the Von Miller comparison as a fair one but then I consider, Miller with the slight edge in speed could simply be amphetamines or roids. Collins is the superior athlete.

BB won't likely use Collins in the one dimensional role that Miller gets used, he is truly an every down, four direction linebacker in every way.

The kid just shuts down would be ball carriers and receivers in space, he can break down and tackle in the open like nobody I've seen since Bruschi. The tackle he made on Welker in the flat last year still resonates with me.

Haley was a defensive end, bad comparison. Don't get me wrong, if BB notices that Collins is the best pass rusher on the field he will employ him that way, but he is also the best cover linebacker we have, so unlikely.

I will say that a four man front with Mayo and Collins on the edges will be tough going for tight ends, especially now with Browner a true SS manning the back end. Hightower should thrive in the middle if the DT's in front of him stay upright, he is bigger, faster, stronger and more athletic than Spikes.

Collins was the pick for the Pats in the 1st round on my draft board a year ago, the kid is explosive, nothing short of injury or complacency can derail him. He may end up being used in schemes that don't showcase him and negative Nancies here will be dismayed (Adalius Thomas anyone?), but I'll bet you we win those games.

I can't wait to watch him this year.

Woz I like your analysis here with one possible exception. I continue to see references to Browner as the presumptive SS in the Pats D. As best I can determine, the guy has never played safety anywhere. He may very well end up there but I don't think it is as automatic as many seem to believe.

Woz I like your analysis here with one possible exception. I continue to see references to Browner as the presumptive SS in the Pats D. As best I can determine, the guy has never played safety anywhere. He may very well end up there but I don't think it is as automatic as many seem to believe.

My 2 cents.

To that I would say every player back there plays in the defensive backfield, they all have to have some corner abilities as well as the ability to play zone like a safety. Rodney Harrison played man coverage against Terrell Owens.

Also consider this, you're a 5'10" 180 pound slot receiver crossing the middle, you catch the ball and look up to see 6'4" 221 pound Browner sizing you up for a crushing hit, do you care what his job title is?

Browner even if he stays healthy won't play corner against 6 foot receivers for the remainder of his career, once the young legs have worn down, if he hasn't mastered the art of zone coverage his career will be over quickly.

For all intents and purposes he is a strong safety, the only thing that has changed from yesteryear is the size of the receivers.

Woz I like your analysis here with one possible exception. I continue to see references to Browner as the presumptive SS in the Pats D. As best I can determine, the guy has never played safety anywhere. He may very well end up there but I don't think it is as automatic as many seem to believe.

My 2 cents.

To that I would say every player back there plays in the defensive backfield, they all have to have some corner abilities as well as the ability to play zone like a safety. Rodney Harrison played man coverage against Terrell Owens.

Also consider this, you're a 5'10" 180 pound slot receiver crossing the middle, you catch the ball and look up to see 6'4" 221 pound Browner sizing you up for a crushing hit, do you care what his job title is?

Browner even if he stays healthy won't play corner against 6 foot receivers for the remainder of his career, once the young legs have worn down, if he hasn't mastered the art of zone coverage his career will be over quickly.

For all intents and purposes he is a strong safety, the only thing that has changed from yesteryear is the size of the receivers.

Recognizing that BB is going to do what BB is going to do, these two links seem to indicate that we'll continue to see Browner line up at corner. And, no, I'm not trying to be argumentative; I just don't see him playing a lot of zone or Safety regardless.

Recognizing that BB is going to do what BB is going to do, these two links seem to indicate that we'll continue to see Browner line up at corner. And, no, I'm not trying to be argumentative; I just don't see him playing a lot of zone or Safety regardless.

I would say this is more a sign of the times and how SS's get utilized in todays NFL, receivers are the size of tight ends, free safeties are the size of cornerbacks. I label my guys by size.

I can honestly say without reservation if we played a team with normal to undersized speedster WR's you wouldn't see Browner once at cornerback, if we play the Lions you'll see him line up at corner all day across from Calvin Johnson.

I know we're just splitting hairs but it's the way I see it. Also I've never seen BB telegraph a move or give any pre-game information about scheme, I don't expect him to start now.

Recognizing that BB is going to do what BB is going to do, these two links seem to indicate that we'll continue to see Browner line up at corner. And, no, I'm not trying to be argumentative; I just don't see him playing a lot of zone or Safety regardless.

I would say this is more a sign of the times and how SS's get utilized in todays NFL, receivers are the size of tight ends, free safeties are the size of cornerbacks. I label my guys by size.

I can honestly say without reservation if we played a team with normal to undersized speedster WR's you wouldn't see Browner once at cornerback, if we play the Lions you'll see him line up at corner all day across from Calvin Johnson.

I know we're just splitting hairs but it's the way I see it. Also I've never seen BB telegraph a move or give any pre-game information about scheme, I don't expect him to start now.

I'm inclined to agree that we're making distinctions without differences here. Regardless, I'm optimistic regarding the coming season particularly on D.

Agree with Wozzy. Collins has great sideline to sideline speed reminiscent of a young Mayo. Collins should be very proficient in covering TEs and RBs out of the backfield. The interesting part of his development will be if he can be used in blitz packages much like Mayo was early in his career. His speed means that he can diagnose plays (short routes, hitches, buttonhooks) and still be force at the LOS if necessary. I can see a larger version of Derrick Brooks provided he continues to develop.

With additions of Browner and Revis this defense has great potential if everyone can stay healthy.

The exciting thing about the kid is he could attack or drop back and be efficient at either. I thought last year health provided our defense would be a top 5 defense, this years defense heading into camp is even better and the youth movement is a big reason why.

Here is a novel idea. Why don't we just let him attempt play a full season and see how he does instead of setting stupid typical fan expectations for a player who has barely played yet.

Or maybe we can talk about Roman Phifer...I mean he already played so there's lots to talk about...or maybe we shouldn't mention anyone? Yes! Perhaps that's it! Then we can discuss migration techniques of the hummingbird.

Here is a novel idea. Why don't we just let him attempt play a full season and see how he does instead of setting stupid typical fan expectations for a player who has barely played yet.

Or maybe we can talk about Roman Phifer...I mean he already played so there's lots to talk about...or maybe we shouldn't mention anyone? Yes! Perhaps that's it! Then we can discuss migration techniques of the hummingbird.

I was thinking more along the lines of African Swallows… they can at least carry coconuts.

I hate how someone just wants to point out how two players he believes are similar and everyone jumps on him because he's claiming someone is the next GOAT.

It's just a comparison of style obviously the person who is comparing, whoever it is, knows that the player being compared to a great could easily fizzle out in a year but could also go on to lead a great career and be a GOAT at the position.

It's the offseason, FA and draft are long gone and the lull between that and TC is here, what is there to talk about? The potential depth chart, players who can make leaps, bubble guys, etc... Comparing players is a decent thing to do to get a feel for what said player could become

Here is a novel idea. Why don't we just let him attempt play a full season and see how he does instead of setting stupid typical fan expectations for a player who has barely played yet.

Or maybe we can talk about Roman Phifer...I mean he already played so there's lots to talk about...or maybe we shouldn't mention anyone? Yes! Perhaps that's it! Then we can discuss migration techniques of the hummingbird.

I was thinking more along the lines of African Swallows… they can at least carry coconuts.

Here is a novel idea. Why don't we just let him attempt play a full season and see how he does instead of setting stupid typical fan expectations for a player who has barely played yet.

Or maybe we can talk about Roman Phifer...I mean he already played so there's lots to talk about...or maybe we shouldn't mention anyone? Yes! Perhaps that's it! Then we can discuss migration techniques of the hummingbird.

I was thinking more along the lines of African Swallows… they can at least carry coconuts.

Here is a novel idea. Why don't we just let him attempt play a full season and see how he does instead of setting stupid typical fan expectations for a player who has barely played yet.

Or maybe we can talk about Roman Phifer...I mean he already played so there's lots to talk about...or maybe we shouldn't mention anyone? Yes! Perhaps that's it! Then we can discuss migration techniques of the hummingbird.

I was thinking more along the lines of African Swallows… they can at least carry coconuts.

Here is a novel idea. Why don't we just let him attempt play a full season and see how he does instead of setting stupid typical fan expectations for a player who has barely played yet.

Or maybe we can talk about Roman Phifer...I mean he already played so there's lots to talk about...or maybe we shouldn't mention anyone? Yes! Perhaps that's it! Then we can discuss migration techniques of the hummingbird.

[/QUOTE

Nothing wrong about a Collins' thread IMO. He showed a lot of explosion and promise toward the end of last season and hopefully can keep progressing. It's only natural for Pats' fans to get a little psyched about a young, talented potential playmaker. This D has been a tough watch for the past few seasons. Hopefully the addition of Easley, Collins in a full time role and the returns of Fork, Kelly and Mayo will make this defense exciting to watch and produce more three and outs than we've been accustomed to seeing.